Former
England, Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins has died at
the age of 61.
Wilkins, who was capped 84 times by his country and was captain on 10
occasions, suffered a heart attack last week and passed away at St George's
Hospital in Tooting on Wednesday morning.
Born on September 14, 1956, in Hillingdon, Wilkins was one of the finest
midfielders of his era and played at two World Cups.
Wilkins, nicknamed 'Butch', also represented AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain,
Rangers and QPR with great distinction in his club career.
He began his managerial career as player-boss at QPR and, having retired
from playing in 1997, he subsequently managed Fulham and the Jordan national
team, and was an assistant boss for Chelsea and England U21s.
Wilkins has also worked as a co-commentator and media pundit since retiring
as a player.
The hospital has released a statement on behalf of his family which read:
"It is with great sadness we announce that Raymond Colin Wilkins passed away
this morning.
"We would like to thank St George's staff for the amazing work they have
done to care for our beloved Ray.
"We would also like to say thank you for the many goodwill messages we have
received from Ray's friends, colleagues, and members of the public.
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"Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Jackie, daughter Jade, son Ross, and his
beautiful grandchildren, Oliver, Frankie, Ava, Freddie, Jake and Archie.
"We are asking for privacy at this very difficult time."
Wilkins played for 11 clubs in total and had short stints towards the end of
his career with Crystal Palace, Wycombe Wanderers, Hibernian, Millwall and
Leyton Orient.
But he is often associated with Chelsea, where he spent six years as a
player, served numerous stints as assistant manager, and once led the side
on a caretaker basis.
As assistant to Carlo Ancelotti, he played a part in Chelsea's first Premier
League and FA Cup double in 2010.
He was an FA Cup winner with Manchester United in 1983, scoring a memorable
goal in the 2-2 draw with Brighton (United won the replay) and was a
Scottish title winner with Rangers in 1989.
Since his retirement from football Wilkins appeared as a regular and
much-loved analyst on Sky Sports' football coverage and Sky Sports News.
Sky Sports Managing Director Barney Francis said: "Ray was a friend to
everyone here at Sky Sports, and we are devastated by today's news. He was a
wonderful footballer, a great coach and an insightful and entertaining
broadcaster.
"Above all, Ray was a great man, terrific company and someone who was hugely
popular with everyone in football. It is sudden and tragic and our hearts go
out to his family."
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